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A life-saving decision

The three recipients of Kevin Sullivan’s organs - This is the floragraph (above center) that was placed on the Donate Life float, Treasure Life's Journey, at the Tournament of Roses in Pasedena, Calif. Kevin’s family attended a wonderful finishing event at the New England Organ Bank where Kevin's three recipients joined them (above). Mike (heart), Julian (kidney) is in Dave's arms, and David (liver and kidney).

For a man who delighted in showing off his knack for the sleight-of-hand, the late Kevin Sullivan’s last act proved the most magical of all.

Earlier this winter, the family of the Burlington High School alumnus gathered for the Tournament of Roses in Pasadena, California to memorialize the 31-year-old’s dying wish to donate his organs, a sacrifice that saved no fewer than three people’s lives within hours of his tragic death on Sept. 14, 2014.

During the parade, when a floragraph depicting the image of Sullivan, the Big Brother volunteer, was displayed alongside floral portraits of 59 other lifesaving organ donors, the tech worker’s family was overwhelmed by healing power of their deceased son and brother’s final act of generosity.

“The whole experience was an incredible honor. Kevin was chosen to represent the New England Organ Bank (NEOB), which represents all of New England,” recalled Kevin’s mother, Debra Sullivan, during a phone interview from her Burlington residence. Continue reading